Conclusion on the YT Decoy X Core models
The Decoy X was previously reserved for buyers of the Launch Edition - now YT is adding four Core levels and making the gravity bike with an integrated shuttle suitable for the mainstream at rock-bottom prices. The Core 1 costs € 4,499 with the ground-breaking Avinox M2S motor. That's quite an announcement. - Max Fuchs, BIKE test editor
Technical specifications - Overview Decoy X Core
| Frame | Hydroformed Alloy V4L, 160 mm travel, 148 x 12 mm, UDH |
| Engine | Avinox M2S, 150 Nm, 1,300 W peak |
| Battery | Avinox 800 Wh, permanently integrated (all sizes) |
| Front suspension travel | 170 mm |
| Setup | MX/Mullet: 29" front, 27.5" rear |
| Geometry (steering angle) | 64.2° / 63.9° (Regular/Low) |
| Reach (S to XXL) | 435 - 515 mm |
| Chain stay | 442 mm (constant for all sizes) |
| Weight (size S) | 24.8 - 25.4 kg (depending on core level) |
| Price | € 4,499 (Core 1) to € 7,499 (Core 4) |
| Availability | Europe/UK: pre-order in progress; USA: summer 2026 |
Proven platform, new line-up
The Decoy X Core is based on the identical hydroformed aluminium frame package that YT has already used on the Decoy SN and the Launch Edition. The V4L rear triangle offers 160 mm rear travel, the fork has 170 mm travel - the mullet setup with 29-inch front wheel and 27.5-inch rear wheel is set. All four Core levels come in sizes S to XXL and carry a permanently integrated 800 Wh battery - regardless of the frame size. This eliminates range compromises for smaller riders.
In terms of geometry, YT remains true to the Launch Edition line: head angle of 64.2 degrees (regular position) or 63.9 degrees (low per flip chip), reach from 435 mm (S) to 515 mm (XXL), chainstays constant at 442 mm. The seat angle (effective 78.4 degrees in size S) speaks for itself: the Decoy X is not a touring bike, but designed for wild trail action.
Benchmark drive at an economy price
The Core models also take over the drive from the sophisticated Launch Edition. The Avinox M2S delivers a powerful 150 Nm of maximum torque and 1,300 watts of peak power. The motor is controlled via the Avinox BC100 wireless controller on the left-hand side of the handlebar, the display is a 2-inch touchscreen (Avinox DPC100) with USB-C and Bluetooth. The Core 1 to 3 are charged with a 4A charger; only the Launch Edition has a faster 12A charger.
Four levels - and what really sets them apart
Core 1 (€4,499): The entry-level model has a Marzocchi Bomber Z1 suspension at the front and a Bomber Air rear shock - both proven air suspension elements with no frills, but with impeccable function. Drivetrain: SRAM S100/S200 Eagle with classic PG-1210 cassette (11-50 teeth), i.e. without T-Type technology and full-mount rear derailleur. Brakes: SRAM DB8 Stealth and centreline rotors. The wheels come from WTB: Sportterra Tough-Set. Weight in size S: 24.8 kg.
Core 2 (€5,499): YT has raised the equipment level significantly here. Fox 38 Float Performance at the front, Fox DHX Performance with coil spring at the rear - a proven setup for high-performance gravity bikes. Drivetrain: SRAM Eagle 70 transmission, XS 1270 cassette (10-52 teeth). Wheel setup: DT Swiss H 1900 370 Brakes: SRAM Maven Base. Weight: 25.4 kg.
Core 3 (€6,499): RockShox Zeb Ultimate / Vivid Ultimate as suspension - this is the RockShox suspension combination familiar from high-end models. Gear group: SRAM Eagle 90 Transmission. Wheels: DT Swiss HX 1700 350 with DF technology to reduce pedal kickback. Brake system: SRAM Maven Silver. Weight: 25.0 kg.
Core 4 (€7,499): Fox 38 Float Factory / Fox X2 Factory, custom tune, maximum adjustability. SRAM Eagle S1000 Transmission, SRAM Maven Silver brakes, DT Swiss HX 1500 240 also with DF technology. Seatpost: YT Postman v2 instead of the Fox Transfer Factory of the Launch Edition. Weight: 25.1 kg.
What the flipchip does
All Decoy-X frames have a flip chip on the rear triangle. Regular position: steering angle 64.2 degrees, 32 mm BB drop, bottom bracket height 344 mm. Low position: 63.9 degrees, BB drop increases to 36 mm, bottom bracket height drops to 340 mm. Four millimetres lower sounds marginal - but when riding, it noticeably changes the balance between agility and riding stability.
Tyres: Standardised cryptotal setup
All Core bikes roll on Continental Kryptotal Fr tyres at the front (29 inch, 2.4 WT, Super Soft, Enduro casing) and Kryptotal Re tyres at the rear (27.5 inch, 2.4 WT, Soft, Downhill casing). A combination that YT deliberately uses across all models - more grip than necessary for gentle trails, just right for what the Decoy X is built for: the nastiest enduro and freeride slopes.
Max Fuchs
Editor
